Posted on: Sunday, October 31, 2004
Opera fans keep art alive in Islands
Advertiser Staff
Opera has been part of Hawai'i's culture for more than a century. The art form first appeared in the Islands in the mid- 1800s.
A fund-raiser for Hawaii Opera Theatre
6 p.m. Nov. 13
Sheraton Waikiki Hotel
$220
596-7372, ext. 14
Entertainment: Lea Friedman and Erik Haines present selections from Puccinis "Turandot," one of HOT's 2005 grand-opera productions; 70 children will perform from Honolulu Youth Opera Chorus Hawaii Opera Theatre is holding its annual fund-raiser, the Opera Ball, Nov. 13. "This year, the Opera Ball will raise an estimated $210,000 to support HOT education programs and help fund HOT's world-class opera productions," said Lori Thomas, 2004 Opera Ball chairwoman.
As part of the run-up to the annual event, HOT provided a few fast facts about the art and the organization.
• Queen Emma sang in the chorus of Verdi's opera, "Il Trovatore," while her husband, King Kamehameha IV, served as the stage manager.
• Queen Lili'uokalani is said to have composed her own opera. • More than 400 volunteers dedicate their time and talent to help stage grand opera in Hawai'i.
• Many international cast members compete up to three years in advance for HOT roles and the chance to perform in Hawai'i, while escaping some of the coldest months of the year elsewhere. • Support for Hawaii Opera Theatre helps strengthen the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra. HOT's paid musicians' contract for grand-opera season covers 20 percent of the orchestra's 30-week schedule. • In 2004, HOT productions attracted more than 35,000 patrons. HOT's mission is strongly tied to education, with year-round outreach and community programs reaching 25,000 students annually.
• Five thousand high school students participate in HOT's "Opera For Everyone," a low-cost ticket program reserved for schools, each year. • Young professionals and families are expanding Hawai'i's opera audience. HOT's latest "light offering" of "The Mikado" over the summer drew a 50 percent increase in new patrons.
According to Hawaii Opera Theatre organizers, it still has a strong foothold even today, attracting a diverse audience of young professionals, families and traditional opera patrons, along with pockets of supporters who believe opera helps define the artistic fabric of Hawai'i's cultural community.
Turandot Ball
